WISE NOTES FOR CONSUMERS

Taking time to enjoy a nutritional breakfast is one of the ways that children and parents alike can keep that high level of enthusiasm throughout the school year or even just a regular work week.

When we don’t supply our brains with enough energy for the day, we tend to become irritable, lethargic, and even develop headaches.

The best solution is to make sure our body is taking in the calories and nutrients it needs to help us think clearly throughout the day. The best place to start is breakfast.

Breakfast literally means “to break the fast.” When we wake up, it has been about eight hours or more since the last time we’ve eaten any food. A healthy breakfast can improve our attention and concentration on our morning tasks.

Teachers report that children who don’t eat breakfast become restless and inattentive by late morning. Breakfast is also important because it provides about a fourth of our daily calories and nutrients.

A nutritious breakfast is exactly what a growing child or teenager needs. Without it they are unlikely to make up this nutritional loss during the day.

Now that we know the importance of breakfast, let’s consider what a healthy breakfast looks like. A healthy breakfast usually contains three components: whole grain, protein and fruit.

Whole grains give you energy and fiber. Protein helps keep you full. Fruit gives you vitamins, antioxidants and more fiber. This combination of food groups will keep you satisfied and energized.

Be sure that as the parent you set a good example for your children. Parents serve as role models for healthy eating behaviors to their children. It is vitally important to make breakfast a part of your family’s daily routine.